Vanity Countertop

[Jimhart]

I'm making a bathroom vanity for my daughter's bathroom. The cabinet is alder and my wife and daughter want the counertop to be Alder as well, all stained the same color.

I'm concerned about the stability of a solid wood slab, especially in a bathroom.

Could I glue the slab to a sheet of 3/4" plywood to make it more stable? If I can, what would you use to finish it to keep it as waterproof as possible?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[mastercabman]

What kind of sink are you planning on using?
As far as water proofing,  epoxy?

 

[Chris Hughes]

Sometimes when I am converting an old buffet into a vanity and we are using a vessel sink, I cover to wood top with a piece of tempered glass. 

 

[Jimhart]

What kind of sink are you planning on using?
As far as water proofing,   epoxy?

It's kind of a modern design, sits on the countertop instead of being inset into it.

 

[jmbfestool]

Using plywood does help abit  I have also used that past on kitchen work tops. Using  T-Bars and router grooves for them to sit in so their flush should help to stop it cupping. To stop it twisting well screw it well to the unit to avoid that either end.

Copied and past from Internet because I dont know whats best for you to protect it from the water damage.

"worktops must be thoroughly treated with at least three coats of protective wood oil, to all sides (including the underside), prior to installation. It is also beneficial to apply as many coats as possible to the end-grain of the worktops as this is the area which will absorb the most moisture."

 

[jonny round boy]

Could I glue the slab to a sheet of 3/4" plywood to make it more stable?

I wouldn't do that. The plywood is very stable relative to the solid, and won't move much. The alder will move with changes in moisture. When you have 2 pcs laminated together, and one moves more than the other, you will get the whole lot bending.

It'd be much better to leave the solid alder as it is - it will move, but if the board is glued up properly (alternating smiles/frowns) then it will change in width, but it will stay flat.

Alternatively (if you could source it) could you use veneered ply?

 

[ajones]

Or if you have the alder already, you could cut it into veneer on a band saw and use it on plywood

 

[Wonderwino]

A pour-on clear epoxy might work well.  I have used it on bartops and tables.  Block it, buff it and it will look like glass.